FIFA Faces Criticism Over 2026 World Cup Heat Plans

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has pledged to use stadiums with roofs for daytime matches during the 2026 Men's World Cup in response to severe heat and weather concerns highlighted during the recent Club World Cup in the U.S. Although cities like Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, and Vancouver have venues with retractable roofs and air conditioning, only about 30% of the World Cup's 104 matches are scheduled for these stadiums. Critics note that many of these are NFL venues designed to retain heat, so effective air conditioning is crucial to mitigating player health risks. Players and managers, such as Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez and Enzo Maresca, have voiced concerns about the dangers of high temperatures and humidity after experiencing hazardous conditions and delays during the Club World Cup. The global players' union FIFPRO has called for more robust measures, including increased cooling breaks and schedule adjustments, but not all recommendations have been adopted. FIFA continues to consider further operational changes to protect player safety amid escalating climate challenges.